The sun hung warmly over the picnic grove where Aranea and the others were finishing up their lunch, laughter echoing between bites of food and friendly jabs.
Zann was still smirking from his earlier victory in claiming dessert rights, while Leonel was quietly glaring at a slice of cake that had betrayed him by being just out of reach.
Then, a familiar voice cut through the air.
"Lunch break and not a single explosion?" Professor Gertrude's rich, commanding voice teased as she approached.
They all looked up. Walking down the path were Professor Gertrude, Darenn, Irving, and a few more academy staff, their strides casual but alert. Darenn was munching on a bread roll he had swiped from the faculty lounge.
"Mind if we join you for a bit?" Irving asked, hands in his pockets, his usual grin in place.
"Of course!" Elenea said brightly, scooting over and adjusting the picnic cloth. "There's plenty of space!"
